Central Park Patch, reported that you should think twice before you let your dog paddle around in Central Park's waters this summer. A New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation report found "widespread" levels of toxic algae in the Central Park Lake and Turtle Pond as of July 6.
Here's the short version: Stay out. Human symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as irritated skin and throat and "asthma-like breathing difficulties."
If you have any reason to suspect that your dog has been exposed you should wash them thoroughly with soap and fresh water. Wear gloves. Prevent them from licking their fur or grooming. If your dog shows any signs...you should seek veterinary care immediately. Dogs are quite sensitive to the toxins produced by this algae and consumption can result in death.
The Central Park Conservancy has said that due to high levels of blue-green algae in the Harlem Meer, catch and release fishing is suspended until further notice. To read the article in its entirety, click here. To learn more about Algea in New York State, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation.